Tom Flocco: Rookie In Command Of National Mil. Command Ops Center On 9/11

althecat

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Fri Jun-18-04 06:48 AM
Original message

Tom Flocco: Rookie In Command Of National Mil. Command Ops Center On 9/11

Nat. Military Command Center ops director asked newly-qualified substitute on Sept. 10 to stand his watch at 8:30 am on Sept. 11

by UnansweredQuestions.Org Co-Founder Tom Flocco

For Full Story See�
http://www.tomflocco.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=65

WASHINGTON -- June 17, 2004 Posted 11:45 pm -- Tom Flocco.com -- According to the personal written statement of Navy Captain Charles J. Leidig, Jr., entered into the record during today�s hearings before the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Leidig revealed that on September 10 he was asked by Brigadier General Montague Winfield to stand a portion of his duty as Deputy Director for Operations for the National Military Command Center (NMCC), which would require supervision and operation of all necessary communications as watch commander.

�. Snip�

The National Transportation and Safety Board auditorium had been quiet until an individual stood up and repeatedly questioned why the Commission was not addressing the issue of 9-11 war games--specifically Operation Vigilant Guardian--wherein fighters were already in the air during the attacks, some just minutes away from New York City. The legitimate questions were ignored and the petitioner was removed by secret service and FBI agents.

Commissioner John Lehman offered that while Air Force Generals Richard Meyers, Ralph Eberhart and Larry Arnold (Ret.) had been questioned, no one had asked any questions of the "only sailor in the group," Captain Leidig.

Lehman asked Leidig about the controlled phone bridges or conferences held during the attacks, which the Captain confirmed were classified and secure phone lines while also indicating that "the President can be included" in such teleconferences.

� Snip �.

Immediately at the close of testimony by Myers, Eberhart, Arnold and Leidig, this writer quickly walked to the head table to individually question Leidig before his aides could escort him from the auditorium. The Air Force generals had left quickly.

When asked "Can you tell me the approximate time when you commenced your supervision of the phone bridges," Leidig told TomFlocco.com, "You�ll have to look in the records and Commission staff statements. I can�t recall the time."

� Snip �.

All of which raises questions regarding why the experienced Winfield left his watch after the attacks had begun, what prompted Winfield to request Leidig to assume his watch the next morning, why Winfield chose 8:30 am to have Leidig relieve him, why the Commission never addressed these issues, and whether Winfield had access to intelligence from the CIA and FBI which foretold a "spectacular attack, designed to inflict mass casualties against U.S. facilities or interests. Attack preparations have been made. Attack will occur with little or no warning." (CIA Intelligence Report for White House, July 5, 2001--60+ days prior to 9-11, Newsweek, 5-1-2003 / The Hill, 5-1-2003)

� Snip �.

For Full Story See�
http://www.tomflocco.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=65

**************

A goodie to be sure.... Tom at his best....